Posts Tagged ‘Cinema’

If, like me, you’ve yet to see the RSC Tempest, there is a chance to catch it in Cardiff next Tuesday. I was lucky enough to hear the co-producer Sarah Ellis talk yesterday in Cardiff at an event on digital and the arts, where she discussed the RSC’s collaboration with Intel and Imaginarium Studios. Last semester I was teaching the play on a Late Plays module at Cardiff University and in seminars we discussed what the masque in the play would look like in the twenty-first century, so I’ll be interested to see how this scene is staged especially.

As we commemorate 400 years of Shakespeare, we take a look at his legacy on film and the relevance of his stories in Wales and beyond with discussions, workshops and specially commissioned programme notes. Events co–ordinated by the British Council and Chapter Arts Centre as part of the Shakespeare Lives season celebrating the 400th anniversary of the bard’s death.

Henry V directed by Kenneth Branagh (15)
Sunday 3 April, 5pm
Panel discussion after the film: ‘Shakespeare and Wales’
On Shakespeare’s exploration of national identity and how this is relevant to us in Wales today. Panellists include Gwyneth Lewis, the inaugural National Poet of Wales; poet, editor and literary critic Grahame Davies; Rakie Ayola it will be chaired by Cardiff-based Shakespearian actress and Siobhan Brennan a postgraduate student specialising in Shakespeare and Wales.

Macbeth starring Michael Fassbender (15)
Sunday 10 April, 5pm
Panel discussion after the film: ‘Shakespeare and the Union’
Curated by Siobhan Brennan, how Shakespeare’s Scottish play helps us to explore ideas of national identity in post–devolutionary Britain. Panellists include Phil George, producer of ‘Shakespeare: the King’s Playwright’, and Professor Andrew Murphy of St Andrews University, editor of ‘Shakespeare and Scotland’.

West Side Story (PG)
Sunday 17 April, 5pm
Panel discussion after the film: ‘Shakespeare and the Musical’
Chaired by Rebecca Gould, Head of Arts British Council Wales on our enduring fascination with Shakespeare and his influence on musicals on stage and film.

Ran, adaptation of King Lear directed by Akira Kurosawa (12A)
Sunday 24 April, 5pm
Panel discussion after the film: How does the translation and adaptation of Shakespeare’s works keep him alive for us today?
Panellists include Dr Paul Prescott, convenor of the ‘Global Shakespeare’ degree at the University of Warwick, and Gwyneth Lewis Inaugural National Poet of Wales who has translated ‘The Tempest’ into Welsh.

RSC Live Encore: Henry IV Part II

King Henry’s health is failing as a second rebellion threatens to surface. Intent on securing his legacy, he is uncertain that Hal is a worthy heir, believing him more concerned with earthly pleasures than with the responsibility of rule. Meanwhile, Falstaff is sent to the countryside to recruit fresh troops. Among the unwitting locals, opportunities for embezzlement and profiteering prove impossible to resist as Falstaff gleefully indulges in the business of lining his own pockets. As the King’s health continues to worsen, Hal must choose between duty and loyalty to an old friend.

Shakespeare’s Globe: The Tempest

Monday 30th June, 1pm and 7.30pm

Roger Allam stars as Prospero in Jeremy Herrin’s handsome and hilarious production of Shakespeare’s late masterpiece. Prospero (Roger Allam), Duke of Milan, is usurped and exiled by his scheming brother Antonio (Jason Baughan). He’s now stranded on a remote island with his daughter Miranda (Jessie Buckley) and has become a great sorcerer. Serving him are deformed feral slave Caliban (James Garnon) and reluctant spirit Ariel (Colin Morgan). To exact his revenge, Prospero lures Antonio and the complicit Alonso (Peter Hamilton Dyer) to the island by conjuring up a great storm. Director Jeremy Herrin follows his acclaimed 2011 production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at the Globe with this funny and spellbinding staging of the Bard’s great meditation on forgiveness. Stage and screen star Roger Allam, whose credits include ‘The Thick of It’, returns to the Globe after his Olivier Award-winning triumph as Falstaff. The outstanding cast also includes Colin Morgan, of BBC ‘Merlin’ fame.

Release date

14th May 2014 (Cardiff, 19.00, Cineworld)

Running Time

180 minutes

Director

Gregory Doran

Starring

Antony Sher, Alex Hassell, Jasper Britton

Antony Sher plays comic knight Falstaff in a new production of Shakespeare’s compelling tale of power politics, broadcast live from the Bard’s home town. Having deposed Richard, King Henry IV (Jasper Britton) now faces trouble at home and abroad. His son and heir, Prince Hal (Alex Hassell), meanwhile, has forsaken the Royal Court for the life of a barfly and wastrel in Eastcheap. Down among the drunks, whores and petty criminals, Hal falls in with corrupt and portly knight Sir John Falstaff (Antony Sher). A liar, glutton, cheat and braggart, Falstaff is also witty, warm and enormous fun. But when disquiet turns to open rebellion, led by the Earl of Northumberland’s son Hotspur, it’s time for Hal to start acting like a prince. RSC Associate Artist Antony Sher returns to the company for his partner and frequent collaborator Gregory Doran’s eagerly anticipated production of the second of Shakespeare’s historical plays.

This and other instances of Shakespeare on screen are also available at Cardiff’s Chapter Cinema: http://www.chapter.org/

A stunning new version of Shakespeare’s timeless romantic tragedy from the creator of ‘Downton Abbey’. The Montagues and Capulets are at war, frequently brawling in the streets of Verona. So when Romeo (Douglas Booth) and Juliet (Hailee Steinfeld) fall for each other, life proves difficult for these star-crossed lovers. Friar Laurence (Paul Giamatti) helps them to marry in secret, but the enmity between their families is too strong for a reconciliation. The greatest love story of all time, Shakespeare’s 16th century classic has been reinterpreted time and again. But there hasn’t been a faithful version since Zeffirelli’s 1968 Oscar winner. Now lauded ‘Downton Abbey’ creator Julian Fellowes has scripted this new adaptation, which makes exceptional use of its gorgeous Italian locations. The to-die-for cast is led by Hailee Steinfeld, who was Oscar nominated for her performance in ‘True Grit’, and Douglas Booth, who played Pip in the BBC’s recent adaptation of ‘Great Expectations’.

***

Hamlet

22nd October Cineworld Cardiff

National Theatre Production (2010)

Rory Kinnear takes the title role in Nicholas Hytner’s chilling modern production of Shakespeare’s great tragedy. Hamlet (Rory Kinnear), the Prince of Denmark, is haunted by the ghost of his murdered father. Consumed by grief, he vows revenge upon the man he holds responsible. That’s his uncle Claudius (Patrick Malahide), who went on to claim both the throne and Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude (Clare Higgins). ‘Hamlet’ is one of the Bard’s most frequently staged plays. But National Theatre Director Nicholas Hytner’s 2010 modern-dress production offered a dynamic new interpretation, giving the play a bold psychological and political context. His Elsinore is a tyrannical police state where every move is subject to surveillance. Olivier Award-winning actor Rory Kinnear took the role of Hamlet to great acclaim. The Times described his performance as “superb in its resonance and intelligence”. This HD broadcast returns to Cineworld as part of the National Theatre’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

‘Simon Russell Beale takes the lead role in this new production of Shakespeare’s tale of conspicuous consumption, debt and ruin. Wealthy and generous to a fault, Athenian gentleman Timon is a bon viveur, a patron of the arts and a personal friend of the rich and powerful. He throws great banquets, supports struggling artists and cares deeply about the welfare of his servants. Naturally, this attracts a retinue of sycophants and freeloaders. But such is Timon’s extravagant munificence that it’s not long before his coffers are empty. Reassuring his loyal steward that all will be well, he appeals to his former associates for help. But each in turn rejects him. Left hanging out to dry, Timon organises a final vengeful banquet before withdrawing to a literal and emotional wasteland. NT Artistic Director Nicholas Hytner’s eagerly anticipated production casts Simon Russell Beale – “the greatest stage actor of his generation” (The Independent) – in the title role.’

If you haven’t seen it yet, you can still catch Ralph Fiennes’ Coriolanus at Chapter in Cardiff. It includes a stunning performance by Vanessa Redgrave and the film isn’t as “action packed” as the trailers make out.